Arts & Entertainment
‘Glee’ star Charice Pempengco changes name to Jake Zyrus
the singer told Oprah Winfrey that ‘my soul is male’ in 2014


(Screenshot via YouTube.)
Singer Charice Pempengco has announced they are changing their name to Jake Zyrus. The news comes three years after Zyrus told Oprah Winfrey that “my soul is male.”
Zyrus, 25, revealed the new name on Twitter writing, “I won’t let anyone ruin this moment. I won’t let anyone ruin my happiness. Thank you to all the beautiful write ups about me.”
My first tweet as Jake. Overwhelmed. Saw all your love comments and I’m so happy. Finally. I love you, everyone and see you soon.
— Jake Zyrus (@jakezyrus) June 20, 2017
I won’t let anyone ruin this moment. I won’t let anyone ruin my happiness. Thank you to all the beautiful write ups about me.
— Jake Zyrus (@jakezyrus) June 20, 2017
The Filipino singer gained popularity for performing cover songs on YouTube. Later, they guest starred on “Glee” as Sunshine Corazon for three episodes. In 2010, they became the first Asian artist of all time to break the Top 10 Billboard 200 albums chart. They came out as a lesbian in 2013 on the Filipino show, “The Buzz.”
Speaking with Winfrey on OWN’s “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” 2014 special, Zyrus detailed their transitions plans at the time.
“I’m not going to go through that stage where I change everything,” Zyrus told Winfrey. “I’ll cut my hair and wear boy clothes and everything, but that’s all.”

A Ziegfeld’s/Secrets Reunion Party was held on Saturday, March 15 at Crush Dance Bar. The event celebrated and remembered the legendary local LGBTQ venue Ziegfeld’s/Secrets, closed in 2020. Performers at the reunion party drag show included Ella Fitzgerald, Destiny B. Childs, Tatiyanna Voche and Kristal Smith.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)















The second annual Mr/Ms/Mx Uproar competition was held at Uproar Lounge & Restaurant on Saturday, March 15.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
















The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and the GenOUT Youth Chorus performed “Passports” at the Lincoln Theatre on March 15-16. Visit gmcw.org for information on future shows and events.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)




































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